A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1 Summer 2017: Jul Comes to the Pacific Northwest

Kids in the Danish community in the Pacific Northwest get to celebrate Jul (Christmas) twice this year. Jul is the theme of both summer Danish camps, Dane Camp for Little in Seattle and Himmelbjerget Danish Camp in Oregon.

Dane Camp 2017: Himmelbjerget’s Danish From Little Vikings Christmas Wonderland to Little Elves Campers arrived at Himmelbjerget Dan- At the end of July, the Seattle Danish ish Camp on June 25th 2017, exactly six Center will open its doors to Jul and months after Christmas. The heat and the little helpers who will help prepare for a calendar didn’t quite add up to Danish Christmas! ‘julestemning’ (Christmas spirit), but the huge decorated Christmas tree that The theme of Dane Camp for Little Vi- greeted campers set the tone for the kings this year is JUL. Come celebrate week. Jul (Danish Christmas) was the with us as we transform The Seattle Photo: Himmelbjerget campers dressed Danish Center (Harmony Hall) with up for Santa Lucia at camp this year kravlenisser, orange clove pomanders, and kalenderlys at the center of the table. theme of this year’s Himmelbjerget Dan- Then there is the tree that will need ish Camp. Campers were immersed in a decorating as we get busy making kram- week of Danish Christmas festivities, merhuse, julehjerter, and flettede julest- learning about the many traditions in jerner. Denmark. The week ended just as the last week of the year ends in Denmark, with Last but not least, we will put on our ‘Dronningens Nytårstale’ (the Queen’s aprons and fill the room each day with New Year’s speech). The speech was the aroma of fresh baked jødekager, written by Himmelbjerget camp counselor brunkager, havregrynskugler, and pe- Annelise Kromann: bernødder. Sign your little Vikings up for Dane Camp 2017, and help us cele- “Dronningens nytårstale - 2017” brate a "god gamle jul" filled with Dan- Written by Annelise Kromann ish traditions, songs, and many sur- prises. “Good evening and godt nytår citizens of Himmelbjerget Danish Camp. Again, it is Dane Camp is for children ages 5-10, that time of year where we reflect on the and will be held from July 31st to Au- year behind us, and look forward to the gust 4th 2017. For more information and Image: Camp Counselor, Michael, from New Year upon us. to register, visit: Denmark and Himmelbjerget Camper, www.northwestdanish.org/danecamp/ Maija, at Himmelbjerget 2017 We started amidst one of the hottest days of our history. Sweat dripped from our In this issue 6……. From Denmark brows and under arms as we took relief in the frigid waters of the pool of our low 1…... Summer 2017: Jul in the PNW 7, 8…. The 2017 DACR lands. Night fell giving little relief in the 2…… President’s Corner 9……. Seattle/Portland Calendars shelters stocked with bunk beds and in- 3..…… News at NWDA 10…… Donations adequate electrical breezes. We can thank 4.…… Dawn of the 11…… Other our god Thor for rolling in clouds that rumbled during the early half day of Mon- 5……. In Memory Of 12…… Save the Date day and provided cooling relief from the heat of the day behind us. Northwest Danish Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing with others Northwest Danish Continued on Page 11 Association our Danish culture, traditions, and values

A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

President’s Corner Northwest Danish Association

Association Board Support the Danish Community Officers By Dr. Edith E. Christensen Edith E. Christensen, EdD, President Gary Korsgaard, Vice-President We have had a good year. The mortgage you haven’t signed up yet, hurry and get Sonja Kromann, Secretary on the building in Seattle was paid down that reservation sent in. Pia, the teacher, so it is more manageable, new programs continues to speak both Danish and Eng- Kenneth Kromann, Treasurer have been added, and the great regular lish so the children are exposed to the Larry West, Oregon Rep. programs have been continued. Have language and helped to understand it, a Board of Directors you missed out on some of these events? process of immersion. You would be Karla Craig Watch the e-bulletins for announcements surprised at how much those little minds Nils Jensen of events in Seattle and Oregon. can comprehend in a short time.

Erik Laursen Book Club and Sang Aften continue in How can you facilitate these vital pro- Allan Olsen Portland with good attendance. They are grams for the Danes in the Northwest? Britt Pfaff-Dunton planning new programs so be sure to We cannot provide programs without Erik Pfaff watch the emails from NWDA. donations of time and money from you, Claus Windelev our friends and members. Memberships The Danish American Cultural Retreat help to continue and support the ongoing Northwest Danish Association has just been completed at Menucha in projects carried out by staff and volun- Contact Information Corbett, Oregon where there were excel- teers. Your donations help to underwrite lent speakers with interesting presenta- the difference between actual costs and General Inquiries tions. Did you miss it? Nordic Ventures expenses of the programs and also will begin in February in Seattle high- E-mail: [email protected] strengthen a secure future for NWDA in lighting some of the past presenters and Phone: (206) 523-3263 this area. new ones. If you missed DACR, here is your opportunity to hear about historical, If you truly want to encourage the Dan- Visit our website for more informa- or current events of a Scandinavian na- ish traditions and culture, you can join as tion about events and programs! Via ture. a member, donate to support ongoing programs, and volunteer your time at our website you can also sign up for Himmelbjerget Camp has just ended for events and activities which we sponsor. our e-bulletin to receive updates on 10 to 18 year olds, also held at Menucha. Last but not least, please remember to all these activities. Save the date for next year when it be- put a contribution for NWDA in your gins on June 24 for a week, right after will. This is an important step, for you to www.northwestdanish.org DACR. You will find information and leave a legacy for continuing Danish articles in this issue of The Little Mer- culture and traditions in this area. maid. Check the website. Donate your time: Dane Camp for Little Vikings, ages 5 to To the many who have donated this year Volunteer with 10 will begin on July 31, and last for one and those who are volunteering at vari- week here at the Center in Seattle. If ous programs, thank you for your sup- NWDA! port.

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The Northwest Danish Association is a 501(c)(3) organization registered in the State of Washington (91-0565541) Mail to Northwest Danish Association, 1833 N. 105th St. Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98133-8973 Page 2

A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

NWDA News and More Northwest Danish Association “The Year of Being Nordic” Thank you Volunteers! We are excited to announce that we are Welcome to our stewing over an idea with other Nordic During the 2016-2017 member- 2017– 2018 Community organizations and clubs in the Seattle ship year, NWDA volunteers in area. Introducing, “The Year of Being Seattle worked over Members! Nordic”: 4,000 hours! The Swedish Club Thank you for your help and for keeping up the pulse of the Danish Brotherhood #29 organization! We couldn’t do it Danish Sisterhood #40 without you!

Danish Community Picnic Sunday, August 13th 11:00 am to 4:00 pm You’re invited to a brainstorming ses- Don’t miss the Danish Community Picnic sion about how we can take just a rela- this year! One of the few events a year tively short period of time, say 6 to 9 where all the Danish groups in Seattle months, and promote Nordic clubs in come together for a day to celebrate our the Northwest. This is still in the idea vast Danish community! phase, but if you represent a Nordic club or a business that caters to the Nor- Join in for games, hotdogs, beer, and other dic community, let’s come together to fun in the sun! discuss how to make ourselves known Vasa Park Resort to the greater local community. 3560 West Lake Sammamish Parkway S.E., Bellevue, WA 98008 Vasa Park is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Free parking available. Our goal is to support our respective clubs and the opening of the New Nor- For more information, visit www.northwestdanish.org/danish-picnic/ dic Museum. We have discussed the idea with the Museum and as their staff is exceptionally busy getting prepared Scholarships Available! Dane Camp for Little Vikings to move into their new building, we won’t see them at our meeting(s), but Summer Day Camp at the Seattle Danish Center our goal is complete support for all the Ages 5-10 Nordic clubs, organizations, businesses, July 31st to August 4th etc., in the greater Northwest. To register visit www.northwestdanish.org/danecamp/ The gathering will be Scholarships sponsored by the Saturday, July 22 at 12 noon Danish American Language at the Swedish Club Foundation (1920 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, 98109) We’ll have some lunch fare available. Thanks to funding by the Danish American Language Foundation, this If you’re interested, please e-mail year we are able to provide scholar- [email protected] to say ships for Dane Camp! The first ten you’ll be there. Anyone who wants to campers to sign up for the 2017 Dane come is welcome, so we appreciate Camp will receive a scholarship. We your helping to spread the word. Let’s already have campers signed up and get together to discuss how to shine the only have a few scholarships left. spotlight on our wonderful Nordic com- Register now for a chance to win a munity. scholarship! Page 3

A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

Northwest Danish “Dawn of the Viking Age” Association

spiked iron blades on a 2 to 3 meter long “Codes of Honor and wooden shaft. Vikings used for thrusting and also for throwing. Warrior Trainings” Viking Series: Part 10 Because the production of swords was costly, they were an indication of higher New Membership Year! status. The blades on swords were com- July marks the start of a new Summarized based on Hudson Publica- monly double-edged. Single-edged sa- tions Event Bookazines 2013, “Vikings: bers were also used in earlier times. Vi- membership year at NWDA. Their Myths and Legends.” kings carried swords in leather bound Now is a great time to become a For Part 9 of this article, see Issue wooden scabbards. A technique called member or to renew member- #2016/2017 Volume 4 of The Little Mer- pattern-welding was used to twist and ships, to take advantage of a full maid fuse strips of iron and steel into swords. year of benefits! Many even named their swords, such as Vikings created their own distinctive “Leg-biter.” code of honor marked with courage. Become a member today! Viking warriors were not afraid of death, Battle- with long handles were only of dying in bed. A glorious death sometimes used instead of swords, espe- Visit by battle was the honorable and pre- cially in open combat. However, double- ferred way to end one’s life. headed axes were not commonly used, as www.northwestdanish.org/ is often portrayed in Hollywood films. membership/ The worst crime a Viking could commit was disloyalty to any members of one’s Viking sagas give evidence of qualities Or call us at (206) 523-3263 ‘felag’ or fellowship. If a Viking was not that were considered to be valued by loyal to his group, he would be named a Vikings, although there is no formal, We also have membership options for ’Nithing’, one who is not considered to written Viking Code of Honor. organizations and businesses. be a man because of a lack of honor “The Sagas tell stories about the swords, (Nithing is the origin of the word how powerful they were. Many of the of Viking laws and customs were also “Nothing”). swords had personal names, sometimes, considered important characteristics. A that are connected to, for instance, a strong mind and body and the ability to All free Viking men were obliged to bear bear or a wolf. By giving it a name, you suffer without complaining were also arms, which was in contrast to most feu- could also incorporate the power of your highly valuable in the Viking era. A Vi- dal societies. The “Havamal” states, ancestor or somebody very strong into king also had to be a man of his word, as “Don’t leave your weapons lying about the sword.” (Johan Gunnar Andersson, oaths were a very serious affair during behind your back in a field; you never National Historical Museum, Sweden) the Viking age. He also had to be a com- know when you may need all of sudden petent leader as well as a generous one. your .” The “Havamal” contained One trait deemed important by Vikings The dead should be treated well by a advice allegedly originating from Odin. was that an ideal Viking Warrior should good Viking, and he should be able to come from a good family and should embrace his own (likely violent) death Amongst Vikings, weapons were also an represent his family well. The Viking capably. indication of social status. Skillfully fin- should also be well-trained as well as ished weapons were a common way to educated. Common sense, eloquence, Spotlight: The Dane show one’s wealth and status. Wealthy and an understanding of the complexities Description: An early axe used in battle. Vikings were likely to have a spear, a The blade was wide and thin with a cut- few javelins, a wooden shield, and a ting surface between 8 and 12 inches. battle-axe or a sword. Even richer Vi- This blade was mounted on a haft, a kings might own a helmet, but it is wooden handle made of oak or ash, that thought that most other armor was exclu- was usually 3 to 4 feet long. The very sively for nobles and their trained warri- thin blade was light and had a hard, ors. Common farmers likely only had a sharp edge that could be as little as 2 spear, a shield, and maybe a common millimeters thin. This kind of axe axe or a big knife. In battle some used weighed an average of 2 to 4 pounds, their hunting bows. making the weapon quick with a destruc- tive cutting capability. As a symbol of The most widespread weapon was a status, some axes were five feet or broad leaf shaped spear with longer Image: Decorated longer. Page 4

A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

In Memory of Northwest Danish Association

The Danish community in the Pacific Lola was born on Christmas, and grew events. June and Elmer were also Northwest has suffered a number of deaths up in Dronninglund in Denmark. active in the Danish Brotherhood and in the last few months. Our sincere condo- the Danish Sisterhood. Amongst friends and family she was lences to all friends and family affected. known for her loyalty. She was very June and Elmer lived a long life active in both the Danish Sisterhood and together, and only two days after In Memory of Tom Paulsen in the Northwest Danish Association. June’s death, Elmer also passed away. th Lola was an important asset to various Tom Paulsen passed away on May 24 , Elmer grew up in Bazine, Kansas with functions at the Northwest Danish Asso- a significant loss for the Danish commu- seven siblings. It was a hard childhood ciation’s Seattle Danish Center. As a nity in the Pacific Northwest. Born on of duststorms and the depression. To th member of the Eastside Danish Circle, November 26 1922, Tom grew up on a get to school, he walked five miles she played a role in the Onsdagsklubben farm near Lemvig in West Jylland. Fol- each day, but completed his High luncheons where she was known for her lowing in his father’s steps, he joined the School exam in 1942. He was a elegant desserts as well as at the Danish Royal Danish Guards in 1943. Active carpenter for many years and Christmas Bazaars, where she helped to duty as a Danish guard during the Ger- constructed homes with his father. make delicious smørrebrød sandwiches. man occupation of Denmark filled When he decided to enlist, he fought Tom’s young years with stories and ex- Lola was married to Johannes Pitzner, in WWII, on USS Connelly, and periences of a time of war and resis- who was a real Danish baker. They survived both kamikaze attacks and a tance. After Denmark was liberated in immigrated to the Seattle area and typhoon. May of 1945, he continued to serve dur- moved to Burien, where they took over In 1948 he moved to Seattle, where he ing the aftermath of the occupation. June Whittman’s parents bakery and again decided to pick up working as a kept up with their Danish baking In 1950, Tom decided to switch direc- carpenter. He then got a job as a police traditions. When Johannes passed away, tions and move to the United States. His detective, investigating robberies, Lola continued running the bakery with first job was in construction in Califor- accidents, and murder. In 1978 he her son, Mark. Her bakery was known nia, which eventually led him to start his stopped working for the police force for being well-kept and welcoming, with own company building custom homes on and started building houses flowers in front during the Spring. Lola the West coast, including in Seattle. Tom occasionally. Elmer was known for his will be missed by many. married his wife, Nadine Bloomquist, in positive attitude, and his smile that lit 1958, and they established their life to- In Memory of June & Elmer Wittman up a room. Elmer and June moved to gether in the Pacific Northwest with Providence Mount St. Vincent to June Wittman passed away June 5th their four children, Chris, Lisa, Eric, and receive the care they needed as their 2017. She and her husband, Elmer Witt- Kirsten. health began to challenge them. man, attended Onsdagsklubben up Tom has been an integral part of the through the Spring of this year at the A beautiful memorial service was held Danish community in the Pacific North- Seattle Danish Center when their son in West Seattle on June 17th, on what west as an active member in the Royal was able to drive them to the luncheon. would have been June’s birthday and Danish Guards Association. He also con- their wedding anniversary. The impact June was an only child. Her parents tributed to the Danish community as a they had on the lives of many and on started a Danish bakery in Burien when member of the Board of Directors for the community was apparent, with an they immigrated from Denmark. When Rebild National Park and through visits overflowing church. to the annual Rebild 4th of July festivities she was old enough, June helped out at in Denmark. the bakery. It was the time of the depression, so the whole family pitched A service to commemorate the life of in.The bakery was known for their good Tom Paulsen will be held on July 16th at rugbrød. 3:00 pm at Bellevue First Presbyterian NEED A SPACE FOR Church (1717 Bellevue Way NE). June eventually became a nurse and YOUR NEXT EVENT? worked at Harborview Hospital. One In Memory of Lola Pitzner Christmas Eve, she met her husband, The Seattle Danish Center, also Elmer Wittman, and they were married known as Harmony Hall, is Lola Pitzner, another familiar face in the available for special events. Danish community, passed away on June June 17th 1951. They moved to West

10th at the age of 88. The Danish bakery Seattle and had 3 children, whereafter Call the NWDA at 206-523- in Burien owned by Lola was well- June decided to put nursing aside and 3263 or e-mail known, and after she sold the bakery, her instead involve herself in her children’s baked goods continued to make a name lives and extracurricular activities. Elmer [email protected] for themselves in the Danish community. built a bigger home for the family, where for more information. they lived 56 years, and hosted many Page 5

A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

Northwest Danish From Denmark Association

Romanesque baptism in Vester Egede By Jan Bruun-Petersen N EED OFFICE or MEETIN G SPACE? naked women with breasts being bitten by snakes. Luxuria is the latin word for OFFICE SPACES available at extravagance and in this context it means N orthwest Danish Association. lust. In Catholicism, sex is good, but not when it is separated from God. On Vester Egede's font, there is depicted a VIRTUAL TEN AN CY avail- woman placed upside down (implying able for use of conference descent to hell and the punishment of rooms, mailboxes, and/or other rich and lustful women), with a lion and dragon being breastfed by her. There is a services. painting with a similar motif in Birkerød Photo: Jan Bruun-Petersen standing in Church. Easy access the public park containing graves just (between I-5 & H wy 99). outside Vester Egede's churchyard. In the little town of Vester Egede, there Services available. Fair rates. is also a former school building, now

used as a residence. It was built as a The little country village of Vester school in 1858 and closed as a school in Contact us at 206.523.3263 Egede is the location of the Vester Egede 1968. There are about ten farms, a gov- or [email protected] church. Vester Egede parish is in Faxe ernmental building called Tinghuset, and municipality. There is also an Øster an old watermill building on the Brøde- Egede church in the eastern part of the bæk. Inside the churchyard there are municipality. The word egede means oak graves and over the churchyard fence Scandinavian forest. In Denmark, there are 11 dioceses there are more graves in an area desig- each led by a bishop. There are no nated as a little public park. Specialties archbishops, but the bishop of Copenha- gen is considered the senior bishop. The Some of the towns nearby Vester Egede Located in Ballard, Scandinavian queen is the head of the church, while are Rønnede, Sørup, Holmegaard, Kong- Specialties provides Seattle with a administration is run by the Minister of sted, while some of the other churches local supply of Nordic goods. Ecclesiastical Affairs (since the state nearby are Kongsted, Ulse, and Bråby. church is part of the government). These Part of a local road had collapsed into Visit the store and café at dioceses are then divided up into 111 the stream, Brødebæk, in May of this 6719 15th Ave NW, deaneries and then 2200 parishes. The year. Seattle, WA 98117 Vester Egede Church has been drasti- cally renovated. Most of the church is from 1867.

Some of the periods of construction or Summer Exhibit renovation of the church go back as far “Denmark 1943: as the Romanesque and Gothic periods. It was first mentioned in the bishop's tax The Danish Rescue of the Jews during WWII” book in 1370. There was an example from the church book written in 1650. If you missed the display earlier this year, you have a chance to see it this Christen Udrider was banned then from summer at the Seattle Danish Center! the church for mishandling pigs. This type of banning in Danish churches July 6th to July 21st stopped in 1688. Viewing is by appointment. Guests must check in and check out at the NWDA

The most visible sign of Romanesque office located in Suite 101. remnants in the church is the baptismal font. It was typical during the Roman- Call (206) 523-3263 or e-mail [email protected] esque period, while the Danish churches to arrange a time. were catholic, to depict Luxuria as a

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A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

The 2017 Danish American Cultural Retreat Northwest Danish Association

of the featured exhibits this year enti- tled, “The Whimsical World of Bjørn DACR 2017: A Weekend Wiinblad”. To the delight of those in Getaway with a the Pacific Northwest, this is an exhibit that is making its way to the Nordic Spotlight on Denmark Heritage Museum in Seattle this sum- mer. By Line Larsen Rasmus also explained the ways in which the Museum of Danish America The tradition lives on. For the 39th year is working to find the best way to ac- in a row, NWDA set up the Danish tively apply modern technology to American Cultural Retreat (DACR) on reach a wider audience. One of the the green and serene grounds of the challenges in having a museum in rural Menucha Retreat and Conference Center Iowa is finding ways to defy distance to in Oregon. The cultural conference de- share their work. This innovative think- livered another social and educational ing, along with a number of other high experience as promised. A little over 30 standards achieved by the museum and attendees were welcomed by blue skies its staff, recently earned them one of and temperatures in the 90s for a beauti- the highest forms of recognition in the Photo: The Danish flag flying high at museum world. This year the Museum ful weekend getaway from June 23rd to Menucha June 25th. The full program, which cov- of Danish America was accredited by ered a wide range of topics related to the American Alliance of Museums, a Denmark, was arranged largely at the The 2017 Speakers feat accomplished by less than 3% of hands of Sonja Kromann, volunteer As promised, the 2017 program delivered museums in the U.S. DACR coordinator. another series of rich presentations from qualified speakers in their respective A new speaker for DACR, the current The Menucha Retreat and Conference fields, each with unique perspectives on visiting Danish lecturer from the Uni- Center in Corbett, Oregon sits on 102 their topics. Pastor Birgitte Saltorp from versity of Washington Scandinavian acres of land nested on a mountain side the Danish Church of Vancouver started Studies Department, Kristian Næsby, overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. off the conference with a talk on Medie- gave a lively presentation on Grundtvig The location of the event has remained val Life in Denmark, which encompassed and the Danish tradition of lifelong the same for over 30 years, a testament a close look at traditional Danish church learning. Kristian shared his first hand to the magnificent grounds offered by fresco paintings and the stories and sym- experiences through his work as a Menucha. bolism behind them. As this year was the teacher at Nørgaards Højskole in Den- 500th anniversary of the Reformation in mark. Other speakers included David Guests trickled in before noon on Friday Europe, she fittingly also gave a presen- Christensen who shared the incredible to check in and settle into their rooms. tation on the heroes of the Danish Refor- This year speakers and guests came in mation. Continued on Page 8 from across the country and even outside the country, with attendees from Iowa, Rasmus Thøgersen, the new executive California, Washington, Oregon, and director at the Museum of Danish Amer- Canada. ica, joined the conference for the first time. The Museum has typically sent After everyone gathered for lunch on the interns to DACR in the past to share up- first day of the conference, a Danish flag dates on the Museum’s work. Rasmus -raising ceremony marked the com- and his wife, Jennifer, travelled all the mencement of DACR. This year NWDA way to Oregon from Elk Horn, Iowa to member and board member, Claus Win- experience DACR first hand. Rasmus delev, and his granddaughter, Sofia, shared stories of Danish American immi- raised the flag high against the backdrop grants from around the 20th century of a blue sky. Meanwhile, “Der er et through a short film and recounting sto- Photo: Kristian Næsby, visiting Danish yndigt land” (the Danish national an- ries collected through the work of the lecturer from the University of them) sounded from the crowd. museum. Guests were also updated on Washington Scandinavian Studies the museum's recent work, including one Department

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A PUBLICATION A OF PUBLICATION THE NORTHWEST OF THE DANISH NORTHWEST ASSOCIATION DANISH ASSOCIATION Apr.Jul. Aug.May. Sep.Jun. 2017 IsIssuesue #2017/2018#2016/2017 Volume 14

The 2017 Danish American Cultural Retreat Northwest Danish Association

together. The chefs at Menucha even DACR 2017: A Weekend made a Danish favorite for dinner Satur- day night, frikadeller med rødkål og Getaway with a agurkesalat, Danish meatballs with red Spotlight on Denmark cabbage and cucumber salad.

Continued from Page 7 In celebration of Sankt Hans on Friday, everyone gathered by the fire pit to make traditional Danish snobrød and American style s’mores. As the sun went down, Photo: The view of the Columbia River Gorge guests enjoyed a breathtaking view of the from the Menucha Retreat and Conference Columbia River under the changing col- Center around sunset on ors of the sky. Following Danish cultural Friday evening, Sankt Hans Aften . tradition for Sankt Hans, everyone sang songs together by the fire, beginning with noon. After breakfast, a few final presen- Midsommervisen, a Danish classic for tations, and lunch, the weekend ended Sankt Hans. with a flag lowering ceremony. As the

conference wrapped up, guests began Saturday came and went with a full day of brainstorming ideas for next year's con- presentations and meals, as well as field ference, requesting certain speakers and Photo: Flemming Behrend (local Danish trips to view points and waterfalls for planning for their return. musician), Kim Nielsen (DACR guest) and those who wanted to explore the area. On

Rasmus Thøgersen (Executive Director of the Saturday evening, Flemming Behrend, Excitement already began to stir for next Museum of Danish America), and his wife, local Danish folk musician, entertained Jennifer Thøgersen, winding down in the year's conference, which will mark the guests with songs that fused Danish and ‘Kro’ on Saturday evening 40th anniversary of DACR. The date American cultural features as well as has already been set for June 22nd to Danish songs encouraging participation. June 24th 2018, all are encouraged to story of his sister, Johna Christensen, On both Friday and Saturday night, guests mark their calendars, as next year's retreat and her escape from Denmark as a Dan- gathered to wind down and socialize in won't be one to miss! ish Jewish girl during WWII, as re- the 'Kro' while enjoying wine, beer, and counted in her memoir, “The Red Um- snacks. See the pictures from this year’s DACR brella”. The Last Day and Planning for Next online at: Dr. Elisabeth Ward presented on sagas Year’s Retreat www.northwestdanish.org/dacr2017/ from Iceland, stories of fierce women DACR came to an end on Sunday after- during the Viking Age, and the com- plexities of the role of women in these stories. The program this year also in- cluded a talk by Henry Geijsbeek on the progression of flight in Denmark with focus on Danish Aviation pioneer, Jacob Ellehammer.

The Balance between Learning and Socializing As one guest this year commented, DACR is one of those rare events that harmoniously mixes education with a social experience, which is often a diffi- cult balance to achieve. Between presen- tations, guests interacted over Danish trivia and mingled in the coffee breaks complete with Danish pastries from Lar- sen’s bakery in Seattle. All the meals Photo: DACR attendees on Sunday afternoon after a social and educational weekend in throughout the weekend are enjoyed Oregon

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A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

Calendar Northwest Danish Association Juli 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 Summer Exhibit 7 Fredagscafe (S) 8 Opens (S)

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 Summer Exhibit 22 “The Year of Closes (S) Being Nordic” Meeting (S) 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31 Dane Camp Starts!

August 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 31 Dane Camp (S) 1 Dane Camp (S) 2 Dane Camp (S) 3 Dane Camp (S) 4 Dane Camp (S) 5 Fredagscafe (S)

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Oregon Picnic (P)

13 Danish 14 15 16 17 18 19 Community Picnic (S) 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

September 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Fredagscafe (S) 2

3 4 5 Work Party (S) 6 DBIA/DSS (S) 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 Onsdagsklubben 21 22 23 (S) Bogklub (P)

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

(P)= Portland Events, (S) = Seattle Events For more information on these events, programs, and activities, please visit our website: www.northwestdanish.org Events are subject to change. Join our e-bulletin via our website for notification of any changes. You can also find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram!

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A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

Northwest Danish Donations July ‘16 to June‘17: Thank you! Association Grand Dane ($1000 and up) South End Circle In Honor of Erik Muller’s Birthday Anonymous through Benevity Annie & Jan Syberg Susan Trapnell Commmunity Impact Birgitte Williams Anonymous through YourCause In Honor of Joe Matsen’s 90th Jette Bunch Royal Dane ($50-$99) Birthday EastSide Combined Circles Rob Born Edith & Frank Christensen Edith & Frank Christensen Madeleine Bowerman Georg & Nina Pedersen Joan Cavin In Memory of Lola Pitzner Ray Carlsen & Dorothy Young Diane Chapman Helga Markussen Karla Craig Himmelbjerget Great Dane ($500-$999) Anna Lou Falck Assured Life Association Dannevirke Birte Geijsbeek Diana & Egon Bodtker Egon & Laina Molbak Kai Hansen Otto & Minna Brask Erik Muller & Susan Trapnell Michael Hansen Danish Brotherhood #167 Vagn Noeddelund Jette & Don Haslett Danish Brotherhood #29 Larry & Carol West Ellen Juhl Danish Sisterhood #19 Owen Winter Robert & Judith Kiteley Danish Sisterhood PNW District Joan Konstad Lodge Bold Dane ($250-$499) Greta Larsen Bonnie & Don Fisher Otto & Minna Brask Janne & Ivan Larsen David & Rhonda Frick-Wright Birte & Jim Falconer Lene Leslie Ernst & Linda Jensen Sonja Kromann Phillip & Rachael Levine Gene & Ruth Jensen Audrey Haugaard Larson Jorn & Karin Mathiasen Joan Konstad Joe Matsen Jane Middleton & Lara McSherry Lotte Meyer Victor Nielsen Marilyn Northrup PNW District Lodges DBIA Patxi’s Pizza Ib Odderson & Ingrid Salmon Paul & Beatrice Reiss Anne Lise Pedersen Hans Rasmussen Ingrid Salmon & Ib Odderson Gloria Steberl Ronnie & Jill Schmidt ScanFair Thomas Woodbury Casper & Soomie Sorensen Bo Schultz-Andersen Marianne Stecher Erik & Kaja Voldbaek Noble Dane ($100-$249) Karna Town Larry & Carol West Dianne Anderson Claus Windelev In Memory of Marvin L. Johnson Sally & Sune Beck Christine & John Masterson Sandra Boeskov Danes (up to $49) Danish Brotherhood Lodge #167 Anna & Louis Christensen Jorgen Bader Carol Hult Doris & Edward Cole Flemming Behrend In Memory of Anna L. Lindahl Danish Brotherhood Lodge #29 Christian Brodersen Danish Sisterhood of America Unity Danish Brotherhood Lodge #33 Charles Eriksen Lodge Teeda Gengo Lili Gregerson Danish Sisterhood PNW District Hellan Goodhope Hans & Jean Hoffmann Lodge Lene Hajek David Johnson In Memory of Grete Kasch Janet Huff Line Larsen Danish Sisterhood PNW District Gene & Ruth Jensen John Martinson Jr Lodge Lotte Meyer Greg McCall Marvin & Sandra Nelson Preben & Somkul Pedersen Eldercare Erik Pfaff Paul & Beatrice Reiss Britt Pfaff-Dunton & Chris Dunton Catherine Askildsrud Lynn Rasmussen Dannevirke Carl Remming Ernst & Linda Jensen Elaine & John Richards Anonymous through Benevity Bo Schultz-Andersen In Memory of June & Elmer Inger Seiffert Wittman Barbara Smith Otto & Minna Brask Anker & Ruth Sorensen (continued on page 11) Page 10

A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

Other Northwest Danish Association

“Dronningensnytårstale” by consumed. Annelise Kromann Our evenings have been full of Christ- from Himmelbjerget masy tales of Gunther and Hansi and Continued from Page 1 Fritz, as well as Gertrud, Oluf and Benny. Special tonight shows from Nik and Nak, with sound effects by Paddy Wack. Their sponsors of man buns and smør and Carlsberg; and Derek-yoga and hose-down polar bear swims, definitely cannot be forgotten. We lit the advent candles each night and the procession of Santa Lucia brides were quite nice. Photo: Himmelbjerget’s Danish “Queen” Dancing Nu er det jul igen around the reading her New Year’s Speech tree and up the balcony together on Christmas Eve gave such a rush, while packages of gifts were exchanged with great joy. Delicious candies in cones of Donations red and white were found on the tree for Photo: Campers at Himmelbjerget 2017 Continued from Page 10 all the little girls and little boys.

Our brains have been challenged with So many wonderful occasions we can be Danish American Cultural Retreat words of another language. We practiced thankful for, but we cannot forget the Assured Life Association our en – to – tre and our fire – fem – times of light warfare among the Ballard Nils & Kathleen Jensen seks; our tak for mads and Det er et yn- dorm rooms and homes of family digt lands. UW Center for West European Studies groups. Ammunition of fresh scents, silly string and streamers brought frus- We have kept our fine physical forms in Dane Camp tration and even anger. But alas, we re- Danish American Language the green fields of athletic greatness with member that deep down, the love for Foundation games of rundbold and håndbold; fod- each other is bound by the passion we bold and stopball and chieftain ball, too. hold for this Danish land and we are The traditions of our camp continues in more like brothers and sisters than we Scholarships the ballroom of the courts of tennis, with are with many of our friends. Wil & Suzenne Anderson waltzes and grand right and lefts; buzz Randy & Lori Barber steps and happy circles. As this year closes behind us, we send Jette Bunch greetings to the families of purple and Greta & Henning Buus Like the fantastic designers and artists of green; and yellow and red. We remem- Edith Christensen our home country, strips of paper have ber the campers and counselors who Frank Christensen become shining stars, warm hearts and graced these spiritual grounds before us. Paul & Kirsten Fischler mouse staircases. Colorful tape becomes We thank the founders and contributors Henry Geijsbeek a safe place to keep our hard earned bills of the establishment of Himmelbjerget Gary Korsgaard of currency, and fashion forward design- and congratulate those who will continue Kenneth & Annie Kromann ers marked cotton tops with sodium hy- the meaning of this Danish love into Kirsten & Robert Kromann pochlorite, or also known as bleach. generations past us. Sonja Kromann

Audrey Larson We give thanks for the bountiful meals Enjoy this final evening of togetherness. Erik Muller & Susan Trapnell that have been upon our tables and re- Applaud our camp brothers and sisters in joice in the return of edible sustenance. Kirsten Pack the acts on our stage. Remember these John Pattison Frikadeller and rødkål, flæskesteg and good times and these faces as we set off Lynn Pattison kartoffler. Snacks of pebbernødder, into the lands beyond these cherished Lynn Rasmussen kringle, and æbleskiver. Plenty of water borders of this beloved Himmelbjerget for hydration and maybe a pat of butter Danish Camp. Jennifer Remming or two for entertainment. Plenty of sugar Sheila Richards was consumed after the singing of great Gud bevar Danmark – og Himmelbjerget Barbara Smith songs. Butik is a welcome change from Danish Camp.” Joan Steberl the salads and veggies of meals just -Annelise Kromann Pamela Steberl

Page 11 A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1

Northwest Danish Association Northwest Danish Association

Seattle Office www.northwestdanish.org 1833 N. 105th Street, Suite 101 www.nwdanishcamp.com Seattle, WA 98133 Save the Date p) 206.523.3263 WASHINGTON f) 206.729.6997 Please note label problems and make e) [email protected] corrections next to the label. Mail to the July 1: New Membership Year Northwest Danish Association in July 7: Fredagscafe Portland Meeting Space in July 6-21: Summer Exhibit “Denmark Seattle. 1943: The Danish Rescue of the Bethany Lutheran Church  My name is misspelled. Jews during WWII” 4330 NE 37th Ave  My address is incorrect. Portland, OR 97211  I received more than one copy. July 22: “The Year of Being Nordic”  I do not wish to receive Meeting Association mailings. Portland Contact: Bodil Muller July 31 to August 4: Dane Camp for p) 503.547.0161 Little Vikings August 4: Fredagscafe Monthly Events August 13: Danish Community Picnic September 1: Fredagscafe  Work Party — First Tuesday, Seattle September 4: Work Party  DBIA & DSS Seattle — First Wednesday of each month September 20: Onsdagsklubben

 Fredagscafe– First Friday, Seattle OREGON  Onsdagsklubben — Third Wednesday, Seattle July 22: Nisse-making (DSS) Watch our e-bulletins each week for specific times and dates of August 12: Danish Picnic programs. Note: Some programs do not run in the summer. September 20: Bogklub

A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHWEST DANISH ASSOCIATION Jul. Aug. Sep. 2017 Issue #2017/2018 Volume 1 Northwest Danish Association

1833 North 105th Street, Suite 101 Seattle, Washington 98133-8973 www.northwestdanish.org [email protected]

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